(River Tay weekly report week ending 23rd August 2025)
We are moving towards the end of August which marks the end of the traditional summer salmon fishing season. In the past, September and October have been prime months on the River Tay, and historically, this was when the largest catches of salmon have been made. Unfortunately, in recent seasons on most rivers across Scotland, there has been a distinct lack of genuine fresh autumn fish. Hopefully, things will be different this year with a good number of fresh fish caught throughout the remainder of this season.
Thankfully, the weather was slightly more conducive to salmon fishing last week. Gone were temperatures in the high twenties of the previous week, instead being replaced by values mostly in the high teens and low twenties, which were much more palatable for anglers. It was a mostly dry week with generally light winds.
There were some lovely fish caught from the Tay system last week. The fish landed were mainly a mixture of fresh grilse and larger summer salmon. The bulk of the fish were caught on the middle and lower river which is what is to be expected at this time of year.
On the middle river, there was success at Lower Kinnaird on Friday and Saturday. It was good to see a fish caught at Dalguise on Monday and a fish caught at Dalmarnock on Saturday. A couple of fish were landed on the Murthly 2 Beat on Tuesday and another on Wednesday. The Murthly beats finished the week with a combined total of nine fish. There was success at Kercock on Monday and Saturday. The Meikleour and Upper Islamouth Beat produced a fish on Thursday.
At Islamouth, both Gabriel Stoney and Mr William Parker caught fish on Tuesday. The fish were caught from the Donnits and the Newshot. It was good to see fish caught at Ballathie on Monday and Tuesday, with a few more fish landed later in the week from the beat.
Mr John Vernon caught a magnificent seventeen pounder at Cargill on Monday. Three more fish were caught at Cargill on Tuesday, weighing up to twenty-one pounds.
Other successful anglers at Cargill last week included Mr Steve Curnow. The Taymount Beat finished with six fish for the week.
There was success at the Upper Scone Beat on Tuesday and Friday. It was good to see a fish caught at Benchil on Friday.
There was a fine hat trick landed at Fishponds on Tuesday with a cracking sixteen pounder landed from the beat on Thursday. On Friday at Fishponds, Mr Billy Sandfords landed a lovely sixteen pounder on the fly from Benchil Green. At Upper Redgorton, there was success on Tuesday and Thursday, with two more fish caught on Friday.
Towards the bottom end of the river, Mr Iain Law had a happy Monday when he caught a nice fresh grilse at Waulkmill. There were five fish caught from the beat on Wednesday. The Waulkmill Beat finished with seven fish for the week.
We would like to thank all the ghillies and beat owners on the River Tay system who have contributed to this report by providing their time and information, as the weekly report would not be possible without your help and support. If you would like to share any interesting stories or pictures from your time fishing on the River Tay for this report, please get in touch with us at info@salmonfishingholidaysscotland.com
Good luck to all those anglers fishing on the River Tay next week.
Tight lines,
Samantha & Sandy Datta
Beat catches reported
(week ending 23rd August)
SALMON & GRILSE:
Lochlane and Laggan 3, Lower Kinnaird 4, Dalguise 1, Dalmarnock 1, Murthly 2 7, Murthly 1 2, Kercock 2, Meikleour & Upper Islamouth 1, Islamouth 2, Ballathie 6, Cargill 6, Taymount 6, Upper Scone 2, Benchil 1, Upper Redgorton 4, Fishponds 6, Waulkmill 7.
Total: 61 Largest: Cargill 21lbs
UNSETTLED WEATHER ON THE HORIZON?
(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 25th August 2025)
There were some lovely fish caught from the river last week with several fish weighing into double figures. We are now moving towards the end of August and this is when, historically, many beats on the River Tay start to make larger catches. Hopefully, in the next few weeks, there will be decent numbers of fish caught so anglers can enjoy some good sport up until the end of the season. With only around eight weeks left, there is not long to go before the season finally draws to a close on the Tay system.
It was mainly dry and settled last week with very little rainfall. It was cooler than it has been of late, which was a welcome relief for anglers. The weekend has seen mainly dry and sunny conditions predominate with light winds.
Looking ahead to next week, the weather is set to turn more unsettled. Monday should be mainly dry, and it will feel warm. From Tuesday onwards, low pressure will influence our weather, bringing some showers or even some longer spells of rain. It will be windy at times with temperatures mainly in the high teens.
The fish caught last week were mostly a mixture of larger summer salmon and hard fighting fresh grilse and many were sea liced which was great to see. Salmon were caught from Lower Kinnaird down to Waulkmill on the main river with the bulk of the action coming from beats situated on the middle and lower river. As we move through September and into October, the beats located on the lower river should come into their own. Traditionally, this is when these beats start to produce larger numbers of fish on a more consistent basis. Probably the best chance of success next week would be on some of the beats situated on the middle and lower river.
There is good availability next week, so why not wet a line and chase some Tay summer silver? There is no better way to end August than landing a big Atlantic Salmon!
Good luck to all those anglers fishing on the River Tay next week.
Tight lines,
Samantha & Sandy Datta
Tactics for the River Tay during the summer period (June-August)
The ghillies on the River Tay are all highly experienced and have an intimate knowledge of their beats. Their advice and guidance are key to success. Please contact your ghillie for up to date advice on tactics and what tackle to bring prior to visiting the River Tay.
Fly Fishing
During the summer months water temperatures usually begin to rise on the river. The fish also start to become a bit more active. Often river levels are low but on the River Tay they are never too low that fresh fish cannot run the system. At this time of year full floating lines coupled with polyleaders of various sink rates can often work well.
As the Tay is a big river usually a powerful fourteen or fifteen-foot rod with a ten-line rating will cover almost any eventuality. In terms of lines whether that be a full Spey line or Shooting head system a floating line coupled with a selection of polyleaders of various sink rates is perfect for the job at this time of year. In higher water during the summer months a sink tip or intermediate line may be required to produce the best results.
Make sure that your fly reel has got an adequate backing capacity and a good reliable drag system. On the River Tay when that line tightens the fish could turn out to be that one of a lifetime. It is also important during the summer period to use leader material with an adequate breaking strain, as there are some big summer salmon that run the Tay. Usually a breaking strain between twelve and fifteen pounds is ideal.
During the summer months depending on the water height and temperature smaller dressed flies can work well. Small bottle tubes are also well worth ago. Don’t forget how effective flies like the Sunray Shadow can be at this time of year. These flies fished close to the surface can really do the business especially if the fish are keen on chasing a fly and in an active mood.
Spinning
A powerful spinning rod between ten and eleven foot is usually more than adequate to cover the River Tay. The rod should be able to comfortably cast lures weighing anything from eighteen to thirty grams. A good fixed spool or multiplier reel with a reliable drag system is perfect for the River Tay. The reel should be able to accommodate a large amount of either nylon or braided line with an adequate breaking strain.
In terms of lures, spoons like the Toby, Salmo Toby and Blair variety work well on the river. These can range in weight from eighteen to thirty grams. Devon Minnows can also be effective on the River Tay. During the summer months, the Floating Devon and Flying C can be particularly productive. The Flying C lure can be fished upstream especially when water temperatures start to rise and often salmon will chase the lure before taking it. The Vision110 lures have also got a good reputation for producing fish on the river. These lures can be excellent during the summer months.
Harling
Harling is a method unique to the River Tay which involves fishing from a motorised boat. This method is employed on many beats and can be highly effective.
Usually two or three rods are placed in rod holders with various lures and then the ghillie skilfully combs the water by moving back and forth in the boat, whilst gradually dropping downstream, covering the likely lies on the beat. Often during the summer months, the water is too low to harl on many beats. However, if there is a decent spate this method can be highly productive. Harling is a method which is very much water height dependent and is practiced at the beat ghillies discretion.
TDSFB Conservation Policy
All anglers fishing on the River Tay system are reminded that the TDSFB’s policy from January 15th to 1st of April is that all spring salmon must be released. This means that the TDSFB has a 100% mandatory catch & release policy of all salmon caught. This is in line with the Scottish Government Statutory Conservation Regulation. Even if the fish dies it must still be returned to the river.
It is also worthwhile remembering when releasing fish to keep them in the water for as long a period as possible and to use minimal handling. Please also give the fish plenty of time to recover before releasing them. It is important that anglers treat their quarry with the utmost of respect at all times.